Fanshawe Global hosted a two-week customized training program for 13 students from two polytechnic universities in Mexico during the summer of 2024.

As part of the program, students had the opportunity to visit a few industrial and educational facilities. Through their tours of companies such as J-AAR, Diamond Aircraft, and Sodecia, they gained an understanding of Canadian industry practices and the integration of advanced technology. Also, they visited several Fanshawe College schools, including the virtual reality (VR) welding lab, the School of Transportation and Technology, Innovation Village, and the Norton Wolf Aviation School. In addition to being amazed by technological advancements and the emphasis on preparing students for successful careers, these visits were eye-opening for the students.

Throughout their experience at Fanshawe College, the students described their experience as “inspirational.” They expressed a deep appreciation for the college’s approach to education, as well as its ability to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly technological world. As a result of this inspiration, they were motivated to apply similar technological advancements to Mexico, in order to make their homeland more productive.

Culturally speaking, at the beginning many of the students were reluctant to speak initially due to the language barrier. They did not speak English as their primary language, which made them timid and reserved at first. However, with time and patience, we were able to communicate—using a combination of gestures, guessing words, and developing simple sentences. I was able to learn much about their journey despite these challenges, and we were able to have meaningful conversations.

A number of students expressed their pleasure in being surprised by the politeness of Canadians. “The people in Canada hold the door for us,” was one recurring observation that made a big impression on them, because it was not something they were accustomed to in Mexico. Throughout their stay in Canada, they encountered warmth and friendliness that became a symbol of their stay.

One of the cultural highlights of their visit was the trip to Niagara Falls. The students spoke in awe about the majestic waterfalls and said they experienced an invigorating sense of peace and reflection as a result of spending time beneath the roaring waters. A number of them mentioned that those few minutes at Niagara helped them to realize the value of life, an experience that lasted a lifetime.

In conclusion, the two-week visit to Canada as part of the Fanshawe Global project was a transformative experience for these Mexican students. To an outsider’s view, it was incredible to see someone else’s journey can shed light onto new knowledge, a deeper understanding of Canadian culture, and a renewed sense of purpose to make positive changes in the country.